"I always feel that art is not something from high above. We tried to lead art into the public, so that everyone can see it and understand it. That is what makes the exhibition meaningful," said Xu Zhao, the producer and co-presenter of the Continuous Refle(a)ction, an exhibition featuring art and environmental sustainability.

Say the exhibition's name: The word "refle(a)ction" encompasses the exhibitions themes of reflection, reaction and action. Not only inspire people to pay more attention to the prominent environmental issues, but also encourage them to take action.

In the two-floor gallery space of the Riverside Art Museum, 34 artists from 18 countries and regions were invited to jointly create an "ecological system". In the face of the looming danger that may risk the whole ecological system , the participating artists attempt to probe into the responsibility of each and every individual through the reflection upon the symbiotic relationship between the material world and the natural environment.

More than 50 pieces made from different waste materials are on display in support for environmental sustainability. With their ingenious use of waste materials, a vision of future and diversified ecology is presented to the public. 

"We held a big event on the opening day with more than a thousand people invited. The public can interact with some art pieces and made people reconsider." Xu told CGTN.

Artist Yin Xiuzhen is the creator of the "Antarctica" installation. Audiences could grab the white cushion 'plates' made of waste pillows and took them home with them. From a top view, these pillows made up the shape of the Antarctica.

Xu said that by grabbing a piece of a miniature Antarctica, the artist hopes that the audience will gradually realize that we are all predators and consumers of nature.

"Story Behind" is made by Chinese artist Xu Bing. A traditional Chinese washing painting is displayed in front of the audience. But on the backside, behind the translucent glass, the painting is made, for example, with dry plants, wasted paper and plastic bags . There is a strong contrast between the gorges landscape painting and the rubbish "reality" behind it.

An installation called "Metal Surge" is made of 72,000 used disks, collected and sewn by artists in China. A marvelous "waterfall" made by 80,000 caps of plastic and PET bottles also shows that waste and beauty go along well. A cave-like shelter built by tens of thousands of newspapers, a forest concert featuring the whispers of bamboos, and a "sprouting garden" outside the gallery space are some other examples of creative art works that catch the eye and the public interest.

The various forms of presentation will lead viewers into a rich and distinctive experience of art, inspiring them to reflect upon and reconsider the symbiosis between man and nature.

Participating artists include renowned contemporary Chinese artists like Xu Bing and Liu Bolin, as well as international artists such as Antti Laitinen, Zadok Ben-David and George Steinmann.

"We have a very good relationship with artists because we promise to protect the copyright of their works." Xu said, explaining why her team has a strong resource of artists from across the world.

This is the first offline art exhibition that Xu and her team created. Xu is a post-90s entrepreneur with overseas background and now works in Beijing in the offline IP industry for 2 years, but she always struggled when thinking about the future of her career.

"It seems like we are involved in a growing industry, however much more difficulties await," said Xu. “Sometimes I just want to dwell in seclusion. But then I rethink my position. I want to stick to what I love.”

Location: Beijing Riverside Art Museum 

               Hongyan East Road near Xidawang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Opening time: May 25 --  Aug. 28

Sun.- Thu.10:00 – 16:30

Fri.& Sat. 10:00 – 20:00

Ticket price: Ordinary ticket 128 yuan

                    Student ticket 68 yuan